Panama’s Pacific Riviera is the stretch of coast that runs west of Panama City, from the Punta Chame peninsula to Juan Hombrón in Coclé. In about an hour and a half by road from the capital, you find long beaches, golf and beach resorts, fishing villages, cool mountain towns, waterfalls, hot springs and some of the best sport fishing and whale watching on Panama’s Pacific coast. Here is what the Riviera has to offer, on land and at sea.
The Beaches, from East to West
- Punta Chame: a long, narrow peninsula with steady winds, known as Panama’s kitesurfing and windsurfing spot.
- Gorgona and Coronado: Gorgona has dark sand and surf; Coronado is the most developed beach community on the Riviera, with golf, restaurants and shopping.
- San Carlos and El Palmar: El Palmar has two popular surf breaks, and San Carlos is home to Vista Mar Marina, the Riviera’s base for fishing charters and boat trips.
- Santa Clara and Farallón: wide pale-sand beaches backed by palms, with Isla Farallón right offshore.
- Playa Blanca and Río Hato: the big all-inclusive resort area of the coast.
- Juan Hombrón: the quieter western end of the Riviera, in Antón, Coclé.
Río Hato Airport: Flying Straight to the Beach
The Riviera has its own international airport. Scarlett Martínez International Airport in Río Hato was built on a former military air base and today receives seasonal and charter flights for the beach resorts. For many visitors it means landing minutes from the hotel instead of driving from Panama City.
Into the Mountains: El Valle de Antón
Less than an hour inland from the beaches, the road climbs to El Valle de Antón, a town built inside the caldera of a dormant volcano, at about 600 metres above sea level. The climate is noticeably cooler than on the coast. Highlights include:
- Hot springs: the volcanic thermal pools, where visitors soak and try mineral mud masks.
- Chorro El Macho: El Valle’s best-known waterfall, about 35 metres high, with a natural pool and rainforest trails.
- Hiking: trails around the rim of the old crater, including the Cerro Gaital and the famous India Dormida hills.
- Local life: the Sunday market, the orchid nursery and nature reserves where you can learn about Panama’s endangered golden frog.
Altos del María: Cloud Forest and Waterfalls
In the mountains of Sorá, in the district of Chame, Altos del María is a mountain community at around 900 metres, with a cool climate all year, forest trails, rivers, natural pools and waterfalls, and viewpoints over the Pacific. Access to parts of the community is managed by its administration, so check current rules before you go.
The Riviera from the Sea
The Pacific Riviera looks out on the Gulf of Panama, and many of its best experiences happen on the water.
Sport Fishing: Sailfish, Marlin and More
From Vista Mar Marina, offshore waters hold sailfish, marlin, yellowfin tuna and dorado, while the coast and the islands produce roosterfish, cubera snapper and jacks. Majo Fishing Lodge runs private fishing charters aboard the Hatteras 40 “Makaira” and the Stamas 39 “Majo V”, from family trips to full-day offshore fishing.
Whale Watching
Each year humpback whales visit Panama’s Pacific coast. Our private whale-watching trips run in August and September.
Islands Close to the Coast
Isla Farallón, the volcanic rock off Río Hato, and the wild islands of Boná and Otoque in the Gulf of Panama are perfect for swimming, snorkeling and seabird watching. Read the history of Isla Farallón and of Bona, Otoque and Estivá.
Majo Boat Trips on the Riviera
- Isla Farallón, 6 hours: swimming, snorkeling, music and a barbecue on board.
- Bona & Otoque, 8 hours: a full island day in the Gulf of Panama.
- Sunset Trip, 2 hours (4:00–6:00 PM): the San Carlos coastline at golden hour.
- Booze Cruise Party, 3 hours (3:30–6:30 PM): music and a private party on the water.
- Family Fishing, 4 hours: easy fishing near the coast for families and kids.
- Half-Day Fishing, 6 hours: more time and range for game fish.
Every Majo trip departs exclusively from Vista Mar Marina in San Carlos, right in the middle of the Riviera. Wherever you stay, from Coronado to Playa Blanca, write to us on WhatsApp +507 6306-0690 to plan your day on the water.
Staying near Río Hato or coming from the capital? See our fishing charters near Río Hato and fishing charters near Panama City.